Moments of Joy

I’ve lived with chronic health issues, for most of my life. Both physical and mental. It’s been no party for me.

I’ve noticed recently, though, in the past few months or so, that some good things have been happening. So unusual!

My art is finally getting some attention. I’m sure that this partly has to do with the fact that I am putting myself out into the world. Exposed. For all to see!

In Ashland, on the First Friday of each month there are gallery walks. Booze is served, and flows freely at these events. Snacks abound. And people gab with each other into the night.

This Friday, I am fortunate to be the artist of the month. I was not nominated to this position. Gallery artists, at the art center just sign up for it. I do, however, get two whole walls to myself. My friend Susanne and I just hung all of the paintings that I’m showing for the month of February. It looks fantastic!

Though I hate parties, and crowds, I am forcing myself to attend First Friday, this week, and be at the art center so people can put a face to the artist who’s paintings are prominently displayed there. I’m getting dressed up. And I will make sure that I stay for at least an hour.

I often feel like bolting out the door, at these kinds of things. I will do my best to resist the urge, but I can’t promise anything.

Having suffered so deeply, and so long from depression, I am ecstatic when it recedes for awhile. I once thought, that would never happen. That I was destined to be depressed for every moment of every day. For the rest of my life.

Thankfully, like many times before, I was wrong. Hopefully these little windows of joy will continue to grace my life, and will come to me more and more frequently.

It’s really close to impossible to see a future filled with anything but sorrow, when you are in the midst of severe depression. I hope that my articles help to inspire others suffering from depression that they can survive. And that life could very well at some point in time get better.